Station Aurora Town 93 Rikubetsu

Where Rails Meet Roadside Charm in Hokkaido’s Heart

Nestled along National Route 242 in Rikubetsu, a quiet corner of Hokkaido’s vast wilderness, Aurora Town 93 Rikubetsu stands as a living tribute to the region’s railway heritage and rural spirit. Once the terminus of the historic Furusato Ginga Line, this roadside station seamlessly blends the legacy of the past with modern travel experiences. Visitors can stroll through the preserved railway tracks, ride vintage train cars, or even try their hand at driving a locomotive during seasonal operation.

More than a rest stop, Aurora Town 93 Rikubetsu is a cultural crossroads. The on-site Rikubetsu Railway offers Japan’s longest train ride experience, while the Kansai Kenzai Memorial Hall honors the pioneering spirit of the town’s founder. Explore locally crafted goods like reindeer meat dishes and Hokkaido milk pudding, relax in a spacious grassy plaza, or stay overnight in the cozy Aurora House. With free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and stunning views of the night sky, it’s a destination where adventure and tranquility meet.

Aurora Town 93 Rikubetsu stands out as Japan’s only roadside station where visitors can experience a full-scale railway ride on a preserved section of the historic Fushigokaku Line. The highlight is the rare chance to ride the “Galaxy Railway 999”-themed train, complete with a free viewing of a Metel-liveried car signed by creator Leiji Matsumoto. Beyond the rails, the station offers Rikubetsu’s exclusive deer meatジンギスカン and the region’s only milk-based "O-azuke" pudding, made from local Jersey cow milk. These are not just snacks—they’re edible stories of the town’s frontier past.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure a spot on the limited-capacity furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway train experience, which runs from April to October and often fills up by midday.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter in the tourism and souvenir shop, look for the "Secret Meal" (Hikyō Meshi) — a seasonal item available only in winter and sold exclusively during the "Winter Chocolate" (Machi Choko) promotion period.

• Best Time to Try Local Food: Order the Rikubetsu Deer Yakiniku (Gyudon) at the on-site restaurant between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy it during peak lunch hours when the fresh deer meat is served hot and the staff are available to explain the dish.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the soft-serve ice cream booth from April to October between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to sample the "Rikubetsu Milk O-Azuke Pudding" — a limited-edition flavor that is only available during the summer months.

• Must-Visit During Winter: If visiting between November and March, take the free guided tour of the preserved train carriages in the Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway area, which includes a rare Metel Livery Train with a signature from manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori.

• Parking Strategy: Use the large vehicle parking area (5 spaces) located near the front entrance if you're arriving with a large van or trailer — the ordinary car parking (74 spaces) fills up quickly during weekend traffic.

• Free Wi-Fi Access: Connect to the "Michi-no-Eki SPOT" public Wi-Fi by registering your email and password upon first use; this is the only way to access the full Rikubetsu Railway timetable and booking system on-site, which is not available through standard mobile networks.

Spring (March–May): Limited access to the silver railway experience; fresh mountain vegetables available at the market starting April.

Summer (June–August): Silver railway operations run daily; soft serve ice cream served from late June through August.

Autumn (September–October): Silver railway closes in late October; autumn harvest specialties like dried mushrooms available in October.

Winter (November–February): Winter-exclusive "machi choco" sold from November; snow-covered scenery ideal for stargazing at the observatory.